The Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Weyburn branch is gearing up for its 7th Annual Semicolon Event in partnership with Under Your Skin Tattoos.
This event will happen on September 28th; the initiative aims to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
Tasha Collins, Program Director at CMHA Weyburn, shared the event's significance.
"We run this event in September because World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10th. We run the Semicolon Awareness Event to raise awareness, promote mental health, and recognize that important day."
Collins emphasized the longstanding partnership with Under Your Skin Tattoos, which has raised a substantial amount for the branch over the years.
"Under Your Skin Tattoos has been doing this with us for many, many years, and over the years, they've raised, I believe, over $12,000 for our branch, and all of that money stays within our branch."
The semicolon symbol holds a deep meaning not only for the CMHA but also for many people worldwide.
"The semicolon for a writer represents where a sentence could end, and a writer would put the semicolon in their sentence to continue. It's really to bring awareness to suicide as well as the hope that life can prevail, even if there are suicidal thoughts at some point."
Collins says this event is more than just about tattoos—it's about community.
"It's a great day in our community because so many like-minded people come together, and everybody has a story. Everybody lives with mental health, and everybody has things that affect their mental health. So, it's a great day to celebrate, converse with people, get to know people."
She also notes that the day will be a fairly busy one.
"It's a full day—from 10 to 6. In the last two years, these guys have punched out over 100 tattoos each day. So, we only guarantee 90 spots, and we're hoping we can fill those—and it's probably about half full already."
Those interested in participating in this event on the 28th can contact the office at 306-842-7959 or email me at tashac@cmhask.com.